"Virgin Atlantic Airways has today appointed Craig Kreeger as its
new chief executive," the carrier said in a statement, adding he
would assume the role on February 1.

American Kreeger, 53, will succeed current Virgin Atlantic chief
Steve Ridgway, who is retiring from the airline and leaves at the
end of next month.

At American Airlines, Kreeger had a 27-year career spanning
commercial, financial and strategic roles in the United States
and around the globe. He was appointed Senior Vice President,
Customer, in 2012.

"We are thrilled to welcome Craig to Virgin Atlantic -- he is the
right person to succeed Steve Ridgway at this dynamic and
challenging time for our airline," Virgin president Branson said
in the statement.

"We believe Craig has the experience and passion to drive Virgin
Atlantic forward and capitalise on the opportunities created by
our new venture with Delta Airlines."

Under the agreement unveiled in December, Delta will invest $360
million (272 million euros) and Branson's Virgin Atlantic will
keep its 51-percent controlling stake.

"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Virgin Atlantic's
chief executive," Kreeger said in the statement.

"I have been competing with it for many years but have always
admired its laser focus on its people, its products and its
customers."

The Delta-Virgin deal requires regulatory approval in both the
United States and the European Union and is expected to close by
the end of 2013.

The alliance gives the Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta greater
presence at the congested London Heathrow airport. The two
carriers will operate 31 peak-day round-trip flights between
Britain and North America, 23 of which operate out of
London-Heathrow.